Ingredients:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup full-fat Plain Greek Yogurt, cold
- 1 cup loosely packed Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar), sifted
- ¼ cup Fresh Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest (from 2 medium lemons)
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup chilled Heavy Whipping Cream (Double Cream)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature. Zest the lemons and set aside the zest. Squeeze the juice.
- Create the Smooth Base: Using an electric mixer (paddle attachment or hand mixer) on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until it is light, fluffy, and completely smooth (approximately 2 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Sweeten and Stabilize: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese, beating until fully incorporated. Mix in the cold Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Introduce the Zing: Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix this step.
- Whip the Cream (The Lightener): In a separate, clean bowl, whisk the chilled heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Stop just as the peaks hold their shape.
- The Fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon-cream cheese base mixture in two stages using a rubber spatula. Stop immediately when no white streaks of cream remain, aiming to keep the mixture airy.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the dip to the serving bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes to allow the mixture to set up properly.
- Garnish: Before serving, optionally sprinkle with biscuit crumbs or fresh lemon zest. Serve cold.